Timing belts cover 2008.indd - Bosch Australia

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The Bosch Automotive Story
The Bosch Group is a leading global supplier of
technology and services, with more than 300
subsidiaries and regional companies in over
50 countries.
The beginnings were humble. In 1898 Robert Bosch
developed a magneto ignition device and adapted it
to suit a vehicle engine. In doing this he developed
the first reliable ignition system, solving one of the
greatest technical problems faced by the automotive
industry at that time. This key innovation was the
first chapter in the success story of Bosch as an
automotive supplier.
From 1902 Bosch developed a high voltage
magneto ignition system incorporating spark plugs.
While the magneto ignition has long since been
replaced by battery ignition systems, Bosch today
manufactures more than 300 million spark plugs per
year, using the very latest precious metal technology.
As cars became a product for the masses, Bosch
recognised the prospects for developing motor
vehicle lighting. Research in this area resulted in
the launch of the Bosch automotive lighting system,
comprising of headlights, a generator, a regulator and
a battery. This was a significant milestone for both
Bosch and the industry, being the first all-in-one
system available to consumers, and also the basis
for components such as starters, horns, windshield
wipers, indicators and car heating systems to be
developed and added to the business.
From about 1920, the growth of diesel engines
in trucks was a concern at Bosch, because diesel
engines did not need an ignition system, the
company’s main sales driver. To capitalise on this
technological advance, Bosch began developing diesel
injection pumps and in 1936 launched the first diesel
injection pump for passenger cars. Today, Bosch is
the global leader in diesel technology, whether it be
for passenger cars, trucks or injection systems
for ships.
In the years that followed, Bosch made numerous
developments with other automotive products.
Gasoline injection systems were developed from
1935 and by 1967 had all but displaced the
carburettor. Braking systems have also been part of
the Bosch offering since 1927. The introduction of the
Bosch ABS antilock braking system in 1978 was a
significant development in vehicle safety, laying a
foundation for the development of further systems,
such as Traction Control and the Electronic Stability
Program (ESP®).
In today’s market, vehicle manufacturers and service
organisations face the worldwide challenge of
efficient service for highly evolved vehicle systems.
This includes not only mastering the electronic
systems in today's automobiles, but also utilising the
latest state-of-the-art diagnostics technologies to
improve servicing efficiencies. The growing range of
Bosch diagnostic and service equipment delivers a
sophisticated solution for today’s workshops to meet
these challenges.
Bosch spends billions of dollars annually in research
and development to preserve its position as a
technological leader. The company’s technological
competence is evident in the fact that Bosch is world
leader in the number of automotive technology patent
applications it submits each year. Every hour Bosch
research teams create new patents to make Bosch
products safer, more efficient and more
environmentally friendly.
As one of the world’s largest independent
manufacturers of automotive parts and systems,
Bosch products and technology, supplied through a
global network of factories, can be found on virtually
every make of car currently produced throughout the
world. This strong link to original equipment
development and innovation means Bosch is able
to deliver a superior aftermarket offering to
its customers.
With most vehicles on the road incorporating many
Bosch manufactured components, it made sense for
Bosch to support these products with local service
centres. Bosch Authorised Service Dealers are a
group of over 14,000 independent workshops
worldwide, offering the latest technical expertise,
tools and equipment to motorists.
Bosch Automotive Aftermarket 2008/2009